Turbulence In The Air Terminals

August 03, 1992

Passengers on most domestic airline flights -- those of two hours or less -- are barred from smoking because smoke observes no boundaries.

Though the airlines once designated only part of a plane for those who wanted to light up, smoke inevitably filled the entire cabin. Non-smokers, now a majority of the flying public, agitated for a ban and the federal government granted one. Some airlines accurately gauged public opinion and did not wait for a ban before they stopped pretending that smoke doesn't travel.

The same realistic and considerate thinking should be applied to waiting areas near the boarding gates in airline terminals. The folly of reserving some seating for non-smokers -- typically a few feet from seating for smokers -- is seen in the blue, stale air in some of the waiting areas at Bradley International Airport, for example.

Airlines rent space from airports and generally set their own rules on using it. So the airlines should take a hint from some of the grumbling and shuffling, especially during delays, and give nonsmoking customers more of a break.

Prohibiting all smoking in waiting areas would be in the best interests of all customers. Would business suffer? Probably not. Most people choose airlines on the basis of fares, schedules and routes. Airlines not wanting to ban smoking could do what many businesses have done: set up wellventilated cubicles.

Airports could nudge the airlines toward a more enlightened position when contracts for leased space are negotiated. So could governments through legislation.

Need there be a law? No -- just a little more common sense and courtesy